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Crispy Cracker Barrel Loaded Hashbrown Casserole Copycat Recipe Easy and Perfect

cracker barrel loaded hashbrown casserole copycat - featured image

A crispy, cheesy hashbrown casserole inspired by Cracker Barrel, featuring a golden crunchy top and creamy, cheesy layers. Perfect for busy mornings, brunch, or casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (30 oz / 850 g) bag frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed and squeezed dry
  • 2 cups (200 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (240 ml) full fat sour cream
  • 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
  • 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground if possible
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk, whole or 2%
  • 1 cup (120 g) crushed buttery crackers or cornflakes (optional crispy topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Thaw the frozen shredded hashbrowns completely and press out any excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sour cream together until smooth using an electric mixer or whisk. Add the melted butter and mix to combine evenly.
  4. Stir in onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add milk gradually to loosen the mixture just enough to blend smoothly but not runny.
  5. Fold the shredded potatoes and shredded cheddar cheese into the creamy mixture gently but thoroughly.
  6. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared casserole dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  7. If using, sprinkle crushed buttery crackers or cornflakes evenly over the casserole.
  8. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy and the casserole is bubbly around the edges. If the topping browns too fast, tent loosely with foil after 30 minutes.
  9. Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven before serving.

Notes

Dry the hashbrowns thoroughly to avoid sogginess. Use softened cream cheese for smooth mixing. Avoid overmixing to keep texture light. Tent with foil if topping browns too quickly. For extra crispiness, broil 1-2 minutes at the end but watch carefully. Leftovers reheat best in a 325°F oven to restore crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: hashbrown casserole, Cracker Barrel copycat, cheesy casserole, crispy topping, breakfast casserole, comfort food, easy casserole